Gidney makes mark in elite

Talented Shropshire youngster Jonathan Gidney has made a major impact on his first competitive appearance on foreign soil.

Competing against many of Europe's top amateurs, Gidney finished in the top 32 after two tense days of strokeplay qualifying at the Portuguese International Open.

And that assured the highly-rated 19-year-old from Church Stretton a place in the weekend knockout stages at the prestigious event, held at the Quinta De Cima club on the Algarve.

"We're really pleased because that will do Jonathan's confidence the world of good," said his mother Moriel Gidney."It's the first time he's played an individual tournament abroad so it's a fantastic start.

"He's out there with his dad (Chris) and James Townsend, the professional from Church Stretton who is caddying for him and it's going well."

Gidney's two-round total of 149 was enough to see him finish in 10th place in qualifying.

There were early concerns for the Shropshire player as he dropped three shots in the first five holes on the opening day, including a four-putt from 10 feet on the short par-four third which led to a double bogey six.

A birdie at the seventh settled any nerves, but Gidney bogeyed three further holes on the back nine and had to settle for a first-round 76.

That left him with plenty of work to do in round two, but one of the county's top young players was more than equal to the challenge on wet and windy conditions on day two.

Despite another slow start from Gidney who dropped shots at the third and the fourth, the plus-two handicapper steadied the ship and conjured up two birdies in the last seven holes to card a one-over par 73.

Moriel, however, doesn't believe her son's success will lead to any immediate decision to turn professional.

"That's Jonathan's aim and he's very determined to achieve it - but he's also level-headed," she added.

"He feels very comfortable in county golf now but still wants to improve on the national and international scene.

"His performance in Portugal will really help but he knows he has to reach the top of the amateur game before he considers turning professional."